Multiple rudder steering mechanism



Nov. 1, 1932.

' v. KooNs MULTIPLE 'RUDDER STEERING MECHANISM 2 sheets-sheet 1 Filed May 22, 1951 Nov. V1, 1932. v c.. v xooNs MULTIPLE RUDDER STEERING MEGHANISM Filed May 22,l 1951 2 She/etS-Sheet 2 TT fg-72, /l n zum 'f 6;@ CJKU@ Patented Nov. 1, 1932 p cHARLns v.l KooNs, oP'LPIIILA'nELPiiIA, PENNsYLvANIA, yAssIerNoia.fijo AMERIGAN, Y ENGINEERING COMPANY, or PHILADELPHIA, .PENNSYLVANIA A CORPORATION-OP.

f PENNSYLVANIA MULTIPLE numana sriiiiRING Mnoi-IAN'IASM ,y p

Application filed May A22, V1931.""Seria1 No. 539,403.

This invention relates to improvements in multiple rudder steering mechanism, and an A object of the invention is to provide improved means for synchronizing the movements of and fo-r maintaining a predetermined normal relation between the rudders.

`Another object of the invention is to provide improved means for operatively connecting the rudders whereby operation of one rudder from anyy source necessarily results in a corresponding operation of the companion rudder or rudders. Y l

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved steering gear of the stated characteristics which lends itself readily to operation from any `conventional type of steering mechanism, v n

Still another object of the invention is to provide al novel multiple rudder driving mechanism having provision both for manual and power operation.

A further object of the invention is to provide a steering mechanism of the aforesaid character in which the adjustment Vfrom power to manual operation or vice versa is an Y operation of extreme simplicity.

A still further object of the invention is toV provide a hydraulic steering mechanism `having novel and improved means for synchronizing the rudder operation.

The invention also contemplates provision of a novel hydraulicoperating mechanism for multiple rudder steering devicesv having novel means providing for manual operation of the rudders. f The invention further resides in certain be termed the inner or adjacent sidesof the Y the hydraulic motors, the vshaft said stocks. Thejarms 3' andf4 which in effect constitute tillers are respectivelyV associated Y with double-acting rams 5 and 6, theendsofv the ram 5 operating in cylinders 7 7 andthe ram` 6 being similarly operatively associated r with cylinders 8, 8. As illustrated in Fig. 2,'

each of the rams carries a4 trunnion block 9 which respectively slidably embrace the tiller arms 3 and`4 and are free to rotate onl theirA vertical axes within arsupportingyoke 1l carried by the respective ran`i`s. The cylinders 7 and 8 of 'the two fluid/motors may be con*Ak nected in any suitable manner with a source of fluid yenergy tooperate .synchronously and in oppositey directions to thereby simultanesously and, correspondingly actuate the rudders attached tothe stocks 1 'and 2.AA l

' Supported in suitable bearings 12 betwee the iuid motors, which bearings are in' the presentinstance supported by channel beams 13, 18v and 14, 14 attached to the motor frames, is a shaft 15 which carries at its upper end a pinion 16. Meshing,withioppositesides of :asA

the pinion 16 isa pair of segmental gears or l racks 17, 17 which arek respectively connected to theupper ends ofthe rudder stocksv 1 and 2. The .two stocksvare thus positivelyunited throughuthe gears 16 and 17' so that any angular movement'of one stockmust necessarily involve a corresponding movement'in thev oprposite direction of the other stock. Anyv predetermined relative position of the two rudders Y is thus necessarily continuously* main-f y tained.

Preferably as illustrated in Fig. 2, provi-- sion ismade for connectingithe upper end of the shaft. 15 through a clutch 18 with a shaft extension 19, ,thereby providing for '.manual Ior other actuation of vthepinion 16 and a resultant operation of the two rudder posts 1 and 2. 'To facilitate` such operation,

' means may be provided for bypassing the cylinders 7 and 8 so as to leave the pistons 5 and 6'free to move in either directionunder actuation from the pinion. Where provision for manual operation is made by a hand pump associated with the cylinders 7 and 8'of extension 19 and clutch 18 maybe eliminated. v

i While the aforedescribed method of interconnecting the rudder stocks is highly useful in conjunction with hydraulic steering mechanism,'it will be apparent that it lends itself or other optionalfmeans ofy operation; and

insures simultaneous and exactly correspond` ing operation of both rudders even in the event that the element of the power drive mechanism associated with one of the rudder stocks becomes inoperative.

vThere may, of course, be minor changes in the mechanism without departure from the invention.

I clain l.. A steering mechanism comprising a plurality of rudders, a stock for each of said rudders, a motor operatively connected with each of said stocks, and means for operatively connecting one of said stocks with another comprising` segmental gears respectively attached to the stocks, and a pinion intermediate and meshing with both of said gears.

2. A steering mechanism comprising a plurality of rudders, a stock for each of said rud-` ders, a-motor operatively connected with each of said stocks. and means for operatively connecting one of said stocks with another comprising segmental gears respectively attached to said stocks, and a pinion meshing with both of said gears, an extension shaft, manual operating means associated with said shaft, and a clutch for connecting said extension shaft with the said pinion.

3. A steering gear comprising a pair of rudder stocks and rudders connected'therewith, a gear on each of said stocks, a pinion operatively associated with both of said gears.. and power mechanism associated with at least one of said rudder stocks independently of said gears.

4;. Steering mechanism comprising a pair of rudders, a stock for each of said rudders, an hydraulic motor associated with each of said stocks7 a gear element carried by each of said stocks, and gearing interconnecting said stock gears and functioning with the latter to maintain a constant relation between the rudders, operating mechanism for said rudders associated with said gears, and means for relieving pressure from the moving parts of the hydraulic motors to facilitate operation of the rudders through said gearing.

5. A steering mechanism comprising a pluf rality of rudders, a stock for each of said rudders, a motor operatively connected with each of said stocks, and means for operatively connecting one of said stocks with another for maintaining a constant positional relation between said rudders,

rudders. Y

CHARLES V. KOONS. 

